Which term describes immunity generated within the individual's own body in response to infection or vaccination?

Which term describes immunity generated within the individual's own body in response to infection or vaccination?

• A. Passive immunity
• B. Natural immunity
• C. Active immunity
• D. Adoptive immunity

Answer: (C)

The concept being tested is active immunity, which is immunity generated by the body’s own immune response after exposure to an antigen. When you encounter a pathogen or receive a vaccine, B cells and T cells recognize specific antigens, expand, and produce antibodies along with memory cells. This not only helps clear the current infection or respond to the vaccine but also establishes lasting protection through immunological memory. That’s why immunity from infection or vaccination is considered active—the body is actively generating the defense. In contrast, passive immunity comes from receiving antibodies from another person or animal, providing immediate protection that’s temporary and doesn’t create long-term memory. Adoptive immunity involves transferring immune cells from another donor, not generated by the recipient’s own immune system. The clue in the question—response to infection or vaccination—points to the body’s own production of immunity, i.e., active immunity.

The concept being tested is active immunity, which is immunity generated by the body’s own immune response after exposure to an antigen. When you encounter a pathogen or receive a vaccine, B cells and T cells recognize specific antigens, expand, and produce antibodies along with memory cells. This not only helps clear the current infection or respond to the vaccine but also establishes lasting protection through immunological memory. That’s why immunity from infection or vaccination is considered active—the body is actively generating the defense.

In contrast, passive immunity comes from receiving antibodies from another person or animal, providing immediate protection that’s temporary and doesn’t create long-term memory. Adoptive immunity involves transferring immune cells from another donor, not generated by the recipient’s own immune system. The clue in the question—response to infection or vaccination—points to the body’s own production of immunity, i.e., active immunity.